Dr Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah, Director of University of Ghana Sports Directorate and former Chief Executive of the National Sports Council (NSC) has predicted that Ghana sports will be dead by 2019 if certain measures are not undertaking to rectify the situation.
He said for failing to bid and win the hosting rights for the 2011 and 2015 All Africa Games (AAG), the country will have no form of motivation to develop sports.
According to Dr Owusu-Ansah, “having failed to bid and win the rights for these events, we have no dream to keep us on our toes and by 2019, our sports will be dead”.
Dr Owusu-Ansah made these remarks during the launch of the 4th Edition of the Accra Sports Expo to be held in Accra in May, it is being organised by RICS Consult, a Marketing and Public Relations outfit.
“If we had won the rights to host the AAG in 2019, it will provide us the motivation to embark on serious talent identification for the various sporting disciplines for the Games.
“In addition we will have the opportunity to develop infrastructure for the hosting of the multiple sports event. Dr Owusu-Ansah declared.
Dr Owusu-Ansah said he has over the years advocated for the bidding and hosting of the AAG but his suggestions have been brushed aside for different reasons.
He said hosting the AAG will be part of the nation’s strategic commitment to promote sports in the country.
“If we had bid and won the right to host the AAG, that will have been the nations’ commitment to identify and groom talents as well as build sports infrastructure in the country”. He stated.
Dr Owusu-Ansah said hosting the 2015 AAG will have revolutionalised sports in the country since it will lead to massive discovery of talents and boost sports infrastructure in the country.
The Director of University Sports is well known for his rich experience in sports science and management.